terrorizer
One who intimidates
A terrorizer is someone who terrorizes—who deliberately frightens or intimidates others through threats, violence, or persistent harassment.
The word applies equally to playground bullies and armed militants: The neighborhood terrorizer finally got arrested.
It emphasizes the ongoing or habitual nature of the behavior rather than a single frightening act.
One who causes anguish
- harasserOne who intimidates repeatedly
- persecutorOne who harasses relentlessly
- oppressorOne who dominates cruelly
- abuserOne who mistreats others
tyrant · sadist · brutalizer · tormenter · victimizer · stalker · heckler · intimidator
Frightening imaginary creature
- ghoulUndead flesh-eating demon
- fiendCruel person or enthusiast
- demonMalevolent supernatural being
- boogeymanFrightening figure for children
specter · phantom · slasher · creature · villain · psychopath · maniac · serial killer
tormentor
One who causes anguish
- harasserOne who intimidates repeatedly
- persecutorOne who harasses relentlessly
- oppressorOne who dominates cruelly
abuser · tyrant · sadist · brutalizer · tormenter · victimizer · stalker · heckler · intimidator · aggressor
monster
Frightening imaginary creature
boogeyman · specter · phantom · slasher · creature · villain · psychopath · maniac · serial killer · nightmare
assailant
One who attacks another
invader · gunman · bomber · assassin · insurgent · guerrilla · militant · extremist · hijacker · saboteur
menace
Source of potential harm
warning · ultimatum · blackmail · coercion · extortion · ransom · demand · hostage · siege · attack
- bulliesbully, intimidator, tormentor, tormenter, harasser
- abusersabuser, batterer, beater, brutalizer, bully
terrorize, terrorizing, terrorized, terrorizes, terrorizers, terrorization